New Law Restricts Beggars In Detroit

398225 04: A panhandler begs for money December 5, 2001 in downtown Cincinnati. The city of Cincinnati is trying to come up with ways to combat the problem of panhandling which they say is keeping people from coming downtown to do their Christmas shopping. (Photo by Mike Simons/Getty Images)

(Credit: Mike Simons/Getty Images)

DETROIT (WWJ) – Several Michigan cities have enacted laws on dealing with panhandlers and now, Detroit will be on the list.

WWJ Newsradio 950’s Rob Sanford reports the new ordinance, which takes effect next month, puts restrictions on what a person can and can’t do when asking for money.

The law is the first regarding begging since 1998, and is meant to prevent panhandlers from becoming aggressive toward passersby. Penalties can include fines or jail time.

City Attorney Tanya Long said the ordinance doesn’t prohibit begging, but forbids it in certain areas.

“They’re enumerated specifically as part of the ordinance, and include places like waiting in line, food establishments, ATMs, bus and train stations,” she said. “(They’re places) where a person is held really to be in one location and can’t move.”

The upgraded law is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, which last year sued over a longstanding statewide law that prohibits begging. A judge’s ruling is pending.

ACLU staff attorney Dan Korobkin told The Detroit News that the city should be commended for improving their code to protect constitutional rights.